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Inhibitory effects of nasal drops components on granulocyte chemotaxis
B Håkansson1, A Forsgren, H Tegner
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
Pharmacology & Toxicology
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Nasal drop ingredients like oxymetazoline and preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride can impair human granulocyte chemotaxis. These findings question the necessity of preservatives in nasal drops due to potential toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nasal drops are commonly used for various conditions.
- The potential toxic effects of nasal drop components on immune cells are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of common nasal drop ingredients on human granulocyte chemotaxis.
- To assess the impact of vasoactive substances and preservatives on immune cell function.
Main Methods:
- Human granulocytes were exposed to varying concentrations of oxymetazoline chloride, xylometazoline chloride, benzalkonium chloride, and thiomersal.
- Chemotaxis was measured to determine the functional impairment of granulocytes.
Main Results:
- Oxymetazoline and xylometazoline chloride reduced granulocyte chemotaxis, reaching zero at 500 mg/l.
- Benzalkonium chloride was deleterious to chemotaxis at 0.8 mg/l (compared to 200 mg/l in preparations).
- Thiomersal impaired chemotaxis at 1 mg/l (compared to 24 mg/l in preparations).
Conclusions:
- Vasoactive agents and preservatives in nasal drops can significantly inhibit human granulocyte chemotaxis.
- The use of preservatives in nasal drops warrants reconsideration due to their potential immunotoxicity.
- Safer distribution methods for nasal drops may negate the need for preservatives.